Ten Questions with Tom Morris: ‘The Challenge’ Surrounding Potential $1.2 Million Star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

Tom Morris, Nine’s leading AFL reporter, has addressed your inquiries as we approach round six of the competition.

Topics include trade deals, free agency, and contracts, along with a focus on significant aspects of the game.

He has shared the latest updates on contracts for players such as Brayden Maynard and James Worpel, while also delving deeper into the draft and the situation surrounding Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Are there any other players from Western Australia considering a return home? Excluding Chad Warner and Kysaiah Pickett – via Billy on Facebook

Morris: “Brandon Starcevich is one name, but West Coast has cooled on him. He seems eager to stay with Brisbane, and the Lions are equally keen to keep him.

“Given the complexities surrounding concussion, this situation may take some time, but it appears he might not be headed back to WA as we expected a year ago.”

What are the chances of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera remaining with the Saints while they pursue Tom De Koning and possibly others? – via Tazzie on Facebook

Morris: “The Saints have the salary cap flexibility to attract players they want. That shouldn’t be an issue.

“Wanganeen-Milera isn’t solely considering financial aspects; he’s also weighing whether he wants to be closer to family. If he does remain, the question is whether it will be a two-year or four-year deal leading into free agency. The Saints are confident he will stay, while the Adelaide clubs are optimistic as well.

“At this point, I would be surprised if Tom De Koning doesn’t end up at St Kilda next season. The offer reportedly is too appealing to ignore. Meanwhile, Carlton is left in the dark. When it looks and sounds like a duck, it usually is.”

Recent reports from News Corp suggest that Wanganeen-Milera’s next contract could be valued at $1.2 million per year.

If Tom De Koning departs Carlton at the end of the season, who should the club pursue? — via Daniel on Facebook

Morris: “One scenario to consider is whether De Koning’s arrival would leave Rowan Marshall at St Kilda in a position to seek a move to Carlton.

“Carlton would then face a dilemma, needing to provide something in return for Marshall while losing De Koning through free agency.

“Right now, Carlton is not as appealing a destination as it once was a year earlier, and their budget is quite tight.

“Currently, they lack a first-round draft pick, possessing Brisbane’s second-round pick, which could potentially slip to pick 50. It’s crucial for them to have a successful compensation pick for De Koning.”

What is the latest on Zak Butters? Is there any chance he might depart this year, or is Port Adelaide standing firm? – via Bella on Facebook

Morris: “I still believe Butters will remain at the end of this season, although he is more likely to move as a free agent by the end of next year.

“Some may argue that Butters leaving this year would net Port more in trade, but they could still match a bid next year as a restricted free agent. This way, they can secure multiple draft picks for Zak Butters.

“Even his teammates think he is more likely to return home at the end of next season. That seems to be the most likely outcome, but clubs like the Bulldogs and Hawthorn won’t shy away from making a move this year.”

Concerning Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, does his contract have a clause that would allow the Bulldogs to retain some cash or release him without taking on any of his salary for the next year? — via Sam on Facebook

Morris: “The only leeway available is similar to what all clubs have. If he breaches his contract and tarnishes the reputation of the AFL and the club, action can be taken, but this matter revolves around medical issues.

“Medical professionals from the AFL, the Bulldogs, and his management are working to help him regain his health and fitness.

“If a situation arises where he can’t meet his contract obligations and it brings the game into disrepute, then yes; however, as it stands, this is a medical matter, and it’s not permissible to withhold payment due to medical reasons.”

Regarding the Sam Draper contract situation, is he more inclined to remain or move? — via Kane on Facebook

Morris: “I don’t believe the unrestricted free agency news will have any impact on Draper’s decision this summer.

“I’m not convinced Essendon would have matched an offer from Adelaide anyway.

“The situation remains uncertain; the Crows believe they still have a chance. Essendon remains hopeful, perhaps even more than that, about keeping him.

“Draper’s performance is improving each week at Essendon, and they appreciate what he’s contributing, making his decision a significant one.”

What are the prospects for James Worpel? Will he be staying or departing? – via Mario on Facebook

Morris: “Currently, it’s a genuine 50-50 situation. My hunch is that Hawthorn won’t extend a long-term offer. When they do present him with terms, it will likely be around the three-year mark.

“If another club comes with a five-year deal, that could change his mind. Melbourne and St Kilda appear to be the most interested parties right now.

“Hawthorn has younger players like Josh Ward and Henry Hustwaite emerging, which could replace him. This reflects the depth of their squad.

“If he moves as a free agent, Hawthorn stands to gain a compensatory draft pick, and they already possess Carlton’s first and second-round selections.”

How many games will be scheduled for Opening Round next year? Can we expect games in SA, TAS, or WA, assuming the AFL is planning a Victorian game? – via WWOS team

Morris: “Absolutely, I believe so. The AFL is keen to maintain some form of Opening Round, but I expect it will look different. They acknowledge that a staggered start doesn’t serve anyone particularly well.

“They likely still want standalone games during prime time in New South Wales and Queensland, but I’d be shocked if we don’t see matches happening in other parts of the country as well.”

Has the AFL draft become excessively compromised? Can it be rectified? – via WWOS team

Morris: “Yes, it has. The current state is ludicrous and needs addressing. I’m all for father-son and academy selections, but when the first round features more than 25 or 30 picks, it undermines fairness.

“If you finish last, you should receive pick one and pick 19, rather than pick one and then pick 32, for instance.

“This is something the AFL is currently working on, and it requires attention, especially before the new Tasmanian team enters the league.”

If Brayden Maynard departs Collingwood, which teams are likely to pursue his signature? — via WWOS team

Morris: “North Melbourne looks to be the front-runner. They appear to be the only club prepared to offer him a more lucrative, long-term deal.”

“Similar to Worpel at Hawthorn, Collingwood is keen to keep Maynard, but they won’t break the bank to do it and might even be open to accepting a compensation pick instead.

“They’ll never admit it publicly because of Maynard’s popularity, and they are happy to retain him, but losing him isn’t the end of the world for them. For Maynard, it could provide him with security and a new challenge.”

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